Incredible Wine Tastings At Cardinale and Lokoya in Napa With Alex and Paige!
Incredible Wine Tastings At Cardinale and Lokoya in Napa With Alex and Paige!
December 8, 2024
Heading Up From San Francisco: Beautiful Views as Always
Jason and I were thrilled for another incredible day of wine tasting with our dear friends Alex and Paige in Napa Valley. The drive up from San Francisco is always a delight, and this sunny, warm December morning was no exception. Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, we were greeted by hills cloaked in vibrant greenery. Though the air carried a slight haze from controlled burns in the valley, it only added a rustic charm to the anticipation of a memorable day ahead.
We’ve been incredibly fortunate to experience some of Napa and Sonoma Valleys’ most exclusive wineries, which has become a tradition with Alex and Paige, and one we certainly look forward to continuing! Today promised to be particularly special with visits to two iconic destinations: Cardinale and Lokoya. We couldn’t wait to see what awaited us!
On the way up we stopped at a the always delicious Bouchon Bakery in Yountville (just down from the French Laundry), and had the most amazing ham & cheese quiche and oatmeal cookie. The quiche was so creamy… it was like a custard! Both were great and necessary fortifications for our tasting experience that was about to begin.
Our First Tasting: Cardinale in Oakville
Our first stop was Cardinale Winery, a breathtaking estate in Oakville renowned for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignons. From the moment we stepped into the tasting room, we were welcomed with warm smiles and spectacular views of vineyards stretching out below. Marcelo, our guide for the day, set the tone with a refreshing pour of their Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon blend—a delightful surprise for me, as I’m not usually a Sauvignon Blanc fan. The balance and depth of the wine were exceptional, a promising start to our experience.
Marcelo took us on a brief tour of the property, showcasing the impressive Jackson Family production and storage facilities from a distance. Once we were seated for the main tasting, we were treated to three exquisite wines: a Cabernet Franc and two vintages of their estate Cabernet Sauvignons. Each wine was a testament to Napa Valley’s exceptional terroir, with flavors that were complex, velvety, and layered. Accompanying the wines were small bites that perfectly complemented the wines, and all delicious.
The Cabernets were particularly unique. Lighter and more refined than the bold, intense Cabernets we’re used to, these wines offered an elegant, almost delicate expression of the varietal. They didn’t overwhelm the palate but instead revealed their depth gradually, sip by sip. It was a refreshing take on a classic Napa favorite and one we thoroughly enjoyed.
As Marcelo guided us through the history of the winery and the craftsmanship behind each blend, the experience became even more meaningful. Sharing it with Alex and Paige made it all the more special. The four of us savored not only the incredible wines but also the moments of connection and laughter.
Quick Pit Stop in the Beautiful Town of St. Helena for Groceries and Supplies
On the way to our next destination, we made a quick pit stop in St. Helena to grab some supplies for dinner. This charming town never fails to enchant with its boutique shops, cozy cafes, and festive holiday decorations that make it feel like something out of a storybook.
We stopped at Sunshine Foods Market to pick up everything we needed for our dinner plans: roast chicken and asparagus risotto, and an arugula salad with goat cheese and candied pecans. According to Paige and Jason, Alex and I managed to get in and out of the store in just 17 minutes—a feat we all agreed was nothing short of Supermarket Sweep-worthy! Supplies in hand, we jumped back in the car, ready and excited for our next tasting at Lokoya.
Lokoya Winery on Spring Mountain: The Most Beautiful Tasting Room
Next, we ascended the winding roads to Lokoya Winery on Spring Mountain. If heaven had a tasting room, this would be it. Perched high above the valley, Lokoya offers sweeping views that take your breath away. As we arrived, the setting sun bathed the vineyards in a golden glow, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for our visit.
The tasting room itself is a masterpiece (photos in the album above)—a stunning building with soaring ceilings, earthy modern textures, sleek concrete contours, and elegant quatrefoil windows. Jason and I agreed that if we were billionaires, this is exactly the kind of place we’d want to call home. Every detail, from the architecture to the decor, was impeccable. The tasteful holiday decorations added a festive warmth to an already magical setting. They even had an original Picasso on display (Donna Nella Poltrona Gialla), which upped the luxury game of the experience significantly.
The wines at Lokoya were equally extraordinary. Renowned for their mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignons, each wine told a unique story of its vineyard and elevation. We tasted Cabernets from four iconic mountains—Spring Mountain, Howell Mountain, Diamond Mountain, and Mount Veeder. Each was bold, complex, and beautifully structured, with subtle differences that made every sip a discovery. Deciding on a favorite was no easy task, but I found myself drawn to the wines from Spring and Howell Mountains.
The experience left us all in awe. The combination of incredible wines, jaw-dropping scenery, and the joy of sharing it with Alex, Paige, and Jason was unforgettable. We couldn’t resist taking dozens of photos to capture the moment, including a group selfie that perfectly encapsulated the beauty and happiness of the day.
A Fun-Filled Night Staying at the Villa @ Lokoya
Our adventure didn’t end with the tasting. We were fortunate enough to stay the night at the Villa @ Lokoya, a luxurious retreat tucked away in the heart of the winery. The villa exuded elegance and comfort, providing the perfect setting to unwind after an extraordinary day. After settling in, we opened a bottle or two and enjoyed a fabulous dinner, savoring every bite as we caught up with Alex and Paige.
The evening was filled with laughter, meaningful conversation, and the warmth that only good friends can bring. Alex and Paige have a way of making every moment feel special, and sharing this time with them was a beautiful reminder of how much these connections enrich our lives. It wasn’t just a meal or a gathering; it was a celebration of friendship, shared experiences, and the simple joys of being together in such an incredible place.
Coffee, Connecting with Dear Friends, and Then Home to San Francisco
The next morning, we woke to the tranquil beauty of Spring Mountain, the soft morning light casting a serene glow over the vineyards. Over steaming cups of coffee, we reminisced about the incredible experiences of the previous day and excitedly shared ideas for future adventures. It was one of those rare, quiet moments that felt both reflective and inspiring.
The drive back to San Francisco was peaceful, the rolling hills and open skies providing the perfect backdrop for gratitude. Jason and I couldn’t help but feel deeply appreciative of the life we’ve built here in the Bay Area and the wonderful friends who make these special moments so meaningful.
This trip was a perfect blend of indulgence, connection, and celebration. Days like these are a reminder of life’s simplest and most profound joys—good friends, exceptional wine, and the unparalleled beauty of California’s wine country.
Here’s to more adventures like this one. Cheers!
